SCHOOLS Residents get more details

The project requires the passage of a maintenance levy. GIRARD -- Glenn Stephens, project manager for the improvement of Girard's junior-senior high school, presented details on the costs to more than 60 people attending a forum sponsored by the school board Monday night. The Ohio Schools Facilities Commission will contribute funds either to build a new school or renovate the present one if the plan chosen brings the school up to commission standards. Stephens explained that renovation of the present structure would cost about $16.5 million. Building an entirely new school would cost $22.6 million. In the building expenses alone, Girard's portion would be about $5.4 million, Stephens said. Girard's total contribution varied according to each plan, depending on whether land needs to be purchased or whether a renovation would include the present auditorium and exclude the gym. Stephens also explained that the commission requires the project to include the passage of a 23-year 0.5-mill maintenance levy and a detailed maintenance schedule for the property. Range of costs Besides the maintenance levy, the total cost to Girard citizens ranged between $7 million for one renovation plan to an estimated $10 million if a new school is built on land that is presently the Mahoning Country Club, which would have to be purchased. If the present site is chosen or the building is renovated, the cost would include about $850,000 necessary to relocate the student body during construction. The purchase price for the Mahoning Country Club has not yet been determined. Several members of the audience wondered why property owned by Girard city near the Squaw Creek housing development hadn't been considered as a site. They were told that the property is only 13 acres, not large enough to meet commission's standard of 35 acres per school and 100 additional acres per pupil, or in the case of Girard's junior senior high school, 43 acres.